favourite chess openings

I always question anyone that plays the London System that is under 2200. Most people under 2200 respond the same. "Because it is simple and I can play the same moves every time." This is the worst reason to play the London. Or I hear "Because Carlsen plays it". He plays it occasionally, when it is right to do so. Not as an all-around system.

Those that actually understand the London would never have it as their only opening because there are cases when it is outright Bad (against the Modern, for example) or dubious (Against the Dutch, for example). In other cases, where that opening is fine, most amateurs just play on autopilot the moves d4, Bf4, e3, Nf3, h3, Nbd2, c3, Bd3 (Be2 if Black played ...g6 at any point) and O-O. They don't understand when to play c4 instead of c3. They don't understand when h4 is appropriate and when it is not. Half the London amateurs think it must be played in all circumstances and the other half never consider it a candidate until an endgame is reached.

The London System is a legitimate opening, but it is no good as a "Standalone System" and I have yet to see anybody under 2200 play it correctly.